Salanieta Galo is excited to participate in the 2024 Vodafone Nasinu Festival to promote awareness about women’s health issues and combat the culture of silence surrounding them. The 21-year-old from Naivucini, Naitasiri, faced a personal health scare when she discovered an ovarian cyst late last year.
Representing the Kinoya community, Galo is one of seven women competing for the festival crown with the support of Hot Bread Kitchen. She emphasizes that women’s health issues are often overlooked and not taken seriously.
“I would love to educate women of all ages about their reproductive health,” said Galo, a student at the University of the South Pacific. “Many women tend to ignore this issue and shy away from discussing it, possibly due to embarrassment or fear of stigma.”
In addition to health awareness, Galo aims to address rising crime rates in her community, including burglary and theft. She plans to establish a charity account to fund street solar lights, working alongside supportive donors. The Pacific Night will showcase various performances this evening as the week-long festival draws to a close on Saturday.